Under a new information collection procedure approved by the U.S. State Department, both visitors and would-be immigrants may be asked for extensive background information, including biographical data for the previous 15 years and social media handles going back as far as five years.

In light of the increased vetting of some visa applicants by U.S. embassies around the world, the AAA is urging all non-U.S. citizens traveling to our Annual Meeting in Washington, DC, this November to inquire about Visa requirements in relation to their home countries. The following are important links to information on Visa resources and processes:

Visa Waiver Program Regulations

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables most citizens or nationals of participating countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for 90 days or less without first obtaining a visa when they meet all the requirements. Travelers must have a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) approval prior to travel. If you prefer to have a visa in your passport, you may still apply for a visitor (B) visa.

Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA)

The Department of Homeland Security has established the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), an automated system to determine eligibility to travel under the Visa Waiver Program. All persons traveling under the VWP must apply for an ESTA. Approved ESTA applications are good for a period of two years.

The ESTA application will immediately tell you if you are approved, if your request is pending, or if you are not approved (with information about next steps).

E-PASSPORT

Effective April 1, 2016, travelers using the VWP must have an e-passport. These passports have a machine-readable zone on the biographic page and a digital chip containing biometric information about the passport owner.

B-1 Visa

If you have traveled to one of the countries listed below since March 1, 2011, you will need a B-1 visa ($160) to travel to the U.S. (i.e. the VWP no longer applies to you).

AAA will continue to monitor the status of the proposed supplemental questionnaire and keep you informed of any new developments. In the meantime, we urge members to apply for a Visa well in advance of the Annual Meeting and as soon as possible.